American Century removes Armstrong bicycle from headquarters

The fallout from the Lance Armstrong doping scandal continues, including locally.

Kansas City-based American Century Investments recently removed an Armstrong bicycle and jersey from the lobby of its headquarters.

“We had a bike and a jersey that were very specific to Lance’s achievements and, given the recent developments with the (International Cycling Union), we decided that it would be appropriate to bring that down,” American Century spokesman Chris Doyle said. “But we still have our Livestrong portfolios, and we continue to work with the Livestrong Foundation.”

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research confirmed that it also has taken down its Armstrong display but declined to comment.

Armstrong founded Livestrong, which has provided information and advice to more than 28 million people battling cancer. Armstrong stepped down as board chairman in October; the Livestrong website does not list him as a board member.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency found that he had participated in an elaborate doping program — charges Armstrong denied but stopped fighting in August. In October, he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned him from the sport for life.

American Century makes a corporate donation to Livestrong based on amounts flowing into its Livestrong Funds. Since 2006, American Century has donated about $8.5 million to the foundation.

Doyle said American Century is in close contact with the Livestrong Foundation.

“They’ve been really good about keeping us apprised of what they’re doing to reinforce what their mission is about,” Doyle said. “We remain very supportive of what they are doing for cancer survivors and those affected by cancer. We’re still reviewing the situation, and we’re not going to make any rash decisions.”

Taking a similar tack is Sporting Kansas City, which has a naming rights agreement through 2016 for Livestrong Sporting Park stadium. Sporting Kansas City donates a portion of stadium revenues to Livestrong, which is expected to get between $8 million and $10 million during the life of the agreement.

Livestrong Sporting Park, which is in Kansas City, Kan., has a special yellow seat that sometimes is mistakenly called the Lance Armstrong seat. The seat actually is for people who are battling cancer.